A Daily Word - Mar. 27, 2010

BUILDING BLOCKS

A good self image is one of the most imporant things we can build into our children. I believe there are at least ten building blocks to establish a child's self image, enabling them to see themselves as God sees them.

First, we must express love to our children. That sounds so basic, but many children never hear their parents say "I love you." You can't say it too much. Second, be predictable. Children need stability, not capriciousness. Be predictable in your discipline, your standards, your love. Third, communicate clearly with your children. Do not expect them to read your mind. Remember that children are quite literal and do not understand nuance or subtlety as adults do. Fourth, try to understand the source of behavior problems, instead of dealing only with the symptoms. Fifth, catch your children doing good! That's right—catch them doing the right thing, and praise them for it. Sixth, provide a safe environment, emotionally and physically. Make your home a safe place for your child. Seventh, set reasonable limits based on your child's age and development. Eighth, teach your child problem-solving skills. Don't do everything for them. Ninth, don't overreact. Ninety-nine percent of the things we parents loose our cool over are not life-altering. Finally, be patient. Parenting is a long-term effort, and you cannot achieve all that you hope for in a day.

If you remember these things and strive each day to do them…with a word, a look, a touch…your child will have the foundation he needs to grow strong.

MEMORY VERSE

PROVERBS 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

About The Winning Walk

The Winning Walk with Dr. Ed Young is the international on-air and online teaching ministry of Dr. Ed Young, Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. The Winning Walk proclaims the proven truth of God’s Word to give men and women the world over a winning way to live life.

About Dr. Ed Young

Dr. H. Edwin Young was born in Laurel, Mississippi. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 through the leading of his pastor's wife, Mrs. Gates.

Following graduation from high school in Laurel, Dr. Ed Young entered the University of Alabama as an engineering major. Mid-way through his freshman year, challenged by an atheist in his dorm who questioned his belief in God, he began to seek God's purpose for his life. Six months later, he surrendered to the call to preach the Gospel, and enrolled at Mississippi College to continue his education.

On June 28, 1959, he married Jo Beth Landrum. Dr. Young's preparation for the ministry continued at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His first pastorate was in North Carolina, and he pastored in North and South Carolina until 1978 when he moved to Houston, Texas. He became the pastor at Second Baptist Church where he continues to pastor today. The congregation has grown from 2,000 members in 1978 to 6 campuses and we have reached over 70 thousand members.

Dr. Young was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention in June of 1992 and again in June, 1993. He is the author of many books including, Total Heart Health, The 10 Commandments of Parenting, and The 10 Commandments of Marriage. Dr. Young's broadcast ministry, The Winning Walk, can be seen and heard across North America and throughout the world.